Captain Angharad James says the Women's World Cup is always on her mind as Wales prepare for Friday's play-off semi-final first leg in Albania. Wales' women look to take a step closer to a first World Cup appearance in the nation's history as they face the Albanians in Shkoder. Rhian Wilkinson's side will have home advantage in next Tuesday's return leg at Parc y Scarlets with the winners facing either Norway or Romania in a two-legged play-off final in December.
Even if they come through both play-off rounds, Wales may then have to negotiate inter-confederation play-offs in February to book their place at next year's tournament in Brazil. Yet James, 32, says she is already thinking about the idea of representing Wales at the World Cup during "every training session, every day". "It's always in the back of my mind," the Seattle Reign midfielder added.
Women's World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final Live on BBC iPlayer, BBC Two Wales, BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales Extra, Radio Cymru, BBC Sport website and app, plus live text commentary. "I've always wanted to play in a World Cup and I think if you ask the majority of the group, the way we turn up and train and play every day for [our] club is for moments like this with our national team. "Every day I'll make sure I do extras.
I do everything that I can to best prepare myself and the team to reach the first World Cup." James was a central part of the squad who ended Wales' wait for a women's major championship appearance by qualifying for Euro 2025. As they look to make it two tournaments in succession, Wilkinson's players did all they could during the group stage of World Cup qualifying by topping Group B4. But with no automatic qualification route available to teams in League B, Wales face a demanding play-off process which begins in Albania.
Even with their squad depleted by injury, Wales will expect to overcome the Albanians, who they beat twice in the group phase. But a probable play-off final against Norway – with the second leg away from home – would be a far sterner challenge. Even so, James says Wales have the "strength and depth" required to carry them to a World Cup.
"We know it's not an easy road ahead of us," she added. We've got a big game [in Albania], we've got big games ahead of us and the road is never easy. "But it's one that I truly believe this group can get through.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
